Balance America’s checkbook. Be a 'Budget Hero.'

With the US national debt weighing in at $9.3 trillion and growing by more than $1.5 billion a day, haven’t you ever thought, “heck, I can do a better job than Capitol Hill!” Here’s your chance.

American Public Media crafted a free online game that puts you in charge of the nation’s budget. Budget Hero lets you tweak taxes, strategize military spending, and brainstorm about education reform.

Virtual cards represent many possible spending programs. Invest in the cards you like, ignore those that the nation can do without. The designers spent months collaborating with government agencies to make the numbers as realistic as possible while ensuring that the game only takes a few minutes to play.